I've done several with the engine in the ski (DI, RFI, Carb 951 along with the smaller engines). I've looked at those 3 nuts holding the engine in the whole time I'm fighting and thought.... 3 nuts and I'll be able to reach everything. I must be crazy. LOL One can do a more thorough inspecting and do a better job with the engine on the bench. So I agree for sure.

On this ski.... I think he has a bad bearing for the bendix and he'll have a hell of a time removing that or even getting a good look at it with the engine in the ski.
I just had a top end go on a 951 DI. It had 120PSI on each cylinder and asked some pros what they thought. One said it has about 50% life. Full life must have been 4 weeks then cuz it only lasted 2. LOL